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Overview
Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Mechanics are used extensively in a wide array of industries including process manufacturing, the medical profession, the petroleum industry, chemical processing, and environmental control.
This 12-week program covers all course materials received by a first-year Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Mechanic apprentice, plus additional hands-on skills and safety training.
The program prepares students to enter an apprenticeship and, on successful completion of the program, to write the first year Refrigeration apprenticeship exam.
After you successfully complete this program, you may choose to continue your training as an apprentice. Once indentured by an employer, you may register for SAIT's Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Mechanic apprenticeship program.
You may be eligible to challenge the written and practical exams for first-year apprenticeship.
Upon successful completion of the program, students will receive a SAIT pre-employment certificate.
Careers and opportunities
Our graduates may work in the following occupations. Some careers require additional experience and education.

Career counselling and support
Unsure which career path is for you? SAIT offers career planning services to help you decide your future.
You can also get started by taking our online career finder quiz, which can help you narrow down your search based on your current skills and interests.
Finally, you can also head to Alberta alis for various tools and resources, including additional quizzes and labour market information to help you narrow down a career path.
Services and workshopsCourses
The Pre-Employment Refrigeration and Air Conditioning certificate requires 16.5 credits (six courses) to complete.
The Pre-Employment Refrigeration certificate requires 16.5 credits (6 courses) to complete.
Course | Credits |
---|---|
This course covers materials in Section 4 of the Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Mechanic Apprenticeship Course Outline for Period 1 published by the Government of Alberta as version 014 (2022) of the Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Mechanic Apprenticeship Trade Profile on the website of Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training located at https://tradesecrets.alberta.ca/SOURCES/PDFs/curriculum_guides/014_outline.pdf |
1.5 |
This course covers materials in Section 3 of the Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Mechanic Apprenticeship Course Outline for Period 1 published by the Government of Alberta as version 014 (2022) of the Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Mechanic Apprenticeship Trade Profile on the website of Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training located at http://tradesecrets.gov.ab.ca. |
3 |
This course covers materials in Section 2, subsection J, K and L of the Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Mechanic Apprenticeship Course Outline for Period 1 published by the Government of Alberta as version 014 (2022) of the Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Mechanic Apprenticeship Trade Profile on the website of Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training. |
1.5 |
This seminar is based on Environment Canada’s Code of Practice for Reducing CFC Emissions in Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Systems. The course and the Participants Manual supplied deal with the proper handling of CFC/HCFC/HFC and will prepare the participants for complying with Provincial and Federal regulations covering refrigeration and air conditioning systems. Upon successful completion, the certification required to purchase and handle refrigerants across Canada will be provided via the Heating, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Institute of Canada (HRAI). This course is suitable for residential commercial, industrial, domestic, automotive and mobile applications. |
1.5 |
This course covers materials in Section 2 of the Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Mechanic Apprenticeship Course Outline for Period 1 published by the Government of Alberta as version 014 (2022) of the Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Mechanic Apprenticeship Trade Profile on the website of Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training, located at http://tradesecrets.gov.ab.ca |
3 |
This course covers materials in Section 1 of the Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Mechanic Apprenticeship Course Outline for Period 1 published by the Government of Alberta as version 014 (2022) of the Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Mechanic Apprenticeship Trade Profile on the website of Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training, located at http://tradesecrets.gov.ab.ca |
6 |
Progression
Students must attain a PGPA and/or a CGPA of 2.0 or better in each semester and pass the necessary prerequisite courses to progress through the program. To qualify for graduation, students must pass all courses, attain a CGPA of 2.0 or better and complete course requirements within the prescribed timelines.
Admission requirements
Applicants educated in Canada
Applicants must demonstrate English language proficiency and have successfully completed the following courses or equivalents:
- Math 30-1, or Math 30-2 or Math 30-3, AND,
- English Language Arts 30-1 or English Language Arts 30-2, AND,
- Physics 20 or Chemistry 20.
General Educational Development (GED) tests are not accepted in lieu of the admission requirements.
SAIT accepts high school course equivalents for admission for applicants educated outside Alberta.
All applicants who were educated outside of Canada must demonstrate English Language proficiency and provide proof they meet the program admission requirements with an international document assessment. Find out what educational documents are accepted and assessment options.
SAIT may also accept courses completed at certain international post-secondary institutions.

Academic Upgrading
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English language proficiency
All applicants must demonstrate English language proficiency prior to admission, including students educated in Canada.
Learn moreAvailable intakes
Winter 2024
Start dates:
- Domestic students: Waitlisted
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Application deadline: Oct. 26, 2023
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- Domestic students: Open
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Application deadline: March 1, 2024
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Fall 2024
Start dates:
- Domestic students: Open
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Application deadline: June 28, 2024
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Costs
2023/24 tuition and fees
The following costs are effective as of July 1, 2023. They are an estimate of tuition and fees based on the recommended course load per year.
Domestic students
Year | Number of semesters | Tuition fees |
Additional fees |
Total per year |
---|---|---|---|---|
1 | 0.5* | $5,626.50 | $157 | $5,783.50 |
Total cost:
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$5,783.50 |
*Less than a full semester of 16 weeks.
Books and supplies are approximately $1,000 - $1,500 per full-time year.
This is a bring-your-own-device program with a standard computer hardware and software requirement. See the specific requirements on our computers and laptops page.
Find your booklist on the SAIT Bookstore's website. The booklist will be available closer to the program start date.
Can’t find your program or course? The bookstore didn't receive a textbook list. Contact your program directly to determine if they’re still refining course details or if you're in luck; no textbook purchase is required this term.
Required personal protective equipment (PPE)
- Steel toe or equivalent work boots
- Leatherwork gloves
- Safety glasses
- Ear/hearing protection (if you prefer non-disposable types. SAIT provides disposable hearing protection.)

Financial aid
Paying for your education may feel overwhelming, but we have resources and programs that can help, including information about payment options, student loans, grants and scholarships.
Learn moreThis program is eligible for Canada Alberta Job Grant funding.
Application process

Ready to apply?
Follow our step-by-step guide to submitting a successful application.
Learn how to applyCommunication during admission
Email is the primary source of communication during the selection process. Ensure your personal email account is managed appropriately to receive our emails, files and communications. We recommend you add the construction.advising@sait.ca domain to your safe senders' list or you risk missing critical email messages.
Information sessions
Prepare for a strong start in your chosen program or get the details you need to decide your future path.
Our expert staff and faculty are ready to answer your questions and provide information about the following:
- What sets SAIT apart
- An introduction to the program and area of study
- Admission requirements
- Future career paths
- Information on the earning potential and graduate employment rates.
Contact us
Prepare for a strong start and get the details you need to make a decision about your future. Our expert staff and faculty are ready to answer your questions, and provide information about:
School of Construction Advising
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Phone - 403.284.8367
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